Anti-bacterial activity of applying chitosan and propolis dressing against Enterococcus faecalis in primary teeth: in vitro study

Introduction
Endodontic treatment in infected primary teeth is obligated to reserve teeth until normal exfoliation. However, achieving disinfection by bio-mechanical preparation is difficult due to internal complex nature of the root canal system. Thus, the use of intra-canal medicaments is necessary. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of chitosan and propolis dressing as intra-canal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis in primary root canal.

Material and methods
Seventy-two extracted primary second molars with two third of their roots length undamaged were collected. Teeth preparation was completed to size 30 K-file. Teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups, such as A: chitosan + propolis dressing; B: calcium hydroxide dressing; C: negative control group. The tooth specimens were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. Tested materials were applied for all groups in accordance with the groups each tooth belonged to. Bacterial colonies were counted after 24 hours, 72 hours, and 1 week after applying dressing materials. One-way ANOVA test was used to analyze differences between experi¬mental groups. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant and Bonferroni test was used to analyze differences between binary groups.

Results
Group A exhibited the highest anti-bacterial effect after 24 hours of applying dressing material compared to groups B and C, with statistically significant difference. However, group A and group B showed similar anti-bacterial effects after 72 hours and 1 week, with no statistically significant differences.

Conclusions
Incorporating chitosan and ethanol extract of propolis may be a promising medicament in reducing Enterococcus faecalis in primary root canal treatment.